June 25, 2013 at
7:38 PM

The Red Sox today optioned third baseman Will Middlebrooks to Triple-A Pawucket and recalled infielder Brandon Snyder. To make room on the 40-man roster for Snyder, the team moved catcher David Ross to the 60-day disabled list.

Middlebrooks, who started the season as the team's starting third baseman, has struggled at the plate in 2013, hitting just .192/.228/.389 with nine home runs and 25 RBI. The 24-year-old has been losing playing time to Jose Iglesias, who has been impressive on the field and at the plate, hitting .419/.493/.581 with a home run and four RBI in 19 games this month. The move cements Iglesias as the team's starting third baseman, and gives Middlebrooks the opportunity to get regular at-bats and get on track in Pawtucket.

Snyder, 26, was signed by the Red Sox this offseason after being released by the Texas Rangers. A former first round selection of the Baltimore Orioles in 2005, Snyder has seen time at almost every position on the diamond in his career. Playing primarily first base and third base this season with Pawtucket, Snyder has hit .267/.338/.470 with 10 home runs and 37 RBI. The bulk of Snyder's major league experience came last year with the Rangers, where he hit .277/.309/.446 with three home runs and nine RBI.

In some more roster shuffling, the team placed reliever Franklin Morales on the 15-day disabled list and recalled reliever Pedro Beato. Beato is expected to have a short stay in Boston, with reliever Clayton Mortenson expected to be activated from the disabled list before tomorrow's game.